Independent Progressive Democrat

Our ward needs new leadership.

​We need a representative committed to serving the people of the 49th Ward, not the Mayor. ​For the last seven years, I’ve worked with elected leaders, public employees and residents in Chicago and around the country to make government more accountable, inclusive and representative. I understand the nuts and bolts of how our city works and, as your Alderwoman, I’ll work to make sure that community voice and community choice returns to the 49th Ward.

Why I'm running

People ask me why I am running for office. A simple answer is because I have experienced leaders that refused to take responsibility for working to fix problems. Leaders that turned their back on trying to help when problems were, "too big for any one person to solve."

Eleven years ago, when the housing bubble burst, many of my neighbors and I were thrust into a situation that put us at risk of losing our homes.​ Instead of giving up, we worked together to keep our building afloat. This experience taught me that one person can't do things alone - but one person can be the reason that others find hope and decide that change is possible.​

We need and deserve to have leaders who not only listen, but who help. I believe we have a responsibility to fix things, because we are in this together. This is why I am running. And it is why I want to be your next Alderwoman.

Our community is important to me

I know that relationships matter. Helping each other matters. And I believe that we are all impacted by the challenges and successes in our ward.

​I’ve lived in Rogers Park for more than a decade. I have strong roots here, and I know our community’s needs well. When current elected officials fail us, a new generation of leaders must step up with fresh ideas and to take responsibility. I want to be a leader for you. My vision for the 49th Ward is built on community voice, inclusion and accountability.

​Who we vote for in local elections matters. When Chicago Aldermen approved the Mayor’s city budget, they chose the wrong priorities. Underfunded public schools, shuttered mental health clinics, and loss of affordable housing have been the fallout from decades of developer bonanzas, parking meter sales, charter school expansions, TIF misuse, and most recently, a $95 million allocation for a new police academy. This blatant mismanagement of our public monies leads to neglect of Chicago’s most vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.

Transparency of public budgets, community control, and accountability form the backbone of my work over the last 7 years and I will bring this extensive experience with municipal governance and budgets to my role as 49th Ward Alderwoman.​I’ll work with my peers in City Council to take responsibility for fixing our problems. And I will listen and remain accountable to the residents of our ward, because how you do something is as important as what you do.

​Elect me as your Alderwoman, and let’s make Chicago the city that works – for all of us.

Paid for and authorized by Maria for the 49th Ward. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.